Christmas Eve traditions in the UK

4 November 2026

The best-loved Christmas Eve traditions in the UK include leaving a mince pie and a drink out for Father Christmas with a carrot for the reindeer, hanging stockings, listening to carols from King's College, Cambridge, tracking Santa online and opening a Christmas Eve box of pyjamas and treats. Christmas Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday.

Classic British Christmas Eve traditions

1. A mince pie for Father Christmas

In Britain, Father Christmas traditionally gets a mince pie rather than the cookies of American films. Many families leave a glass of sherry or brandy beside it, though plenty now choose milk – he has a long night ahead. A crumbly half-eaten pie and an empty glass on Christmas morning are the evidence children look for first.

2. A carrot for the reindeer

A carrot (usually for Rudolph) goes out with the mince pie. Some families scatter "reindeer food" of oats on the lawn so the reindeer can find the house. If you do, keep it to plain oats rather than anything with glitter in it.

3. Hanging stockings

Stockings go on the end of the bed, on the mantelpiece or on a door handle. The custom is usually linked to a legend about St Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop, who is said to have given gold to a poor family that landed in stockings drying by the fire, as English Heritage's history of Father Christmas explains. By 1879, a writer in England was describing stockings left out on Christmas Eve to be filled by a "mythical being called Santiclaus".

4. Carols from King's

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Chapel, Cambridge, is one of Britain's most famous Christmas Eve traditions. The service was first held on Christmas Eve 1918 and was first broadcast by the BBC in 1928. It is traditionally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 3pm on Christmas Eve, opening with a solo chorister singing the first verse of "Once in Royal David's City". King's College has details each year; check BBC listings for 2026.

5. Midnight Mass or a crib service

Many churches hold a Christingle or crib service for families on Christmas Eve afternoon and a Midnight Mass or late-evening communion. Christingle oranges, with a candle, red ribbon and sweets on cocktail sticks, are a favourite with children. Check your local church's times, as they vary.

6. Tracking Santa

Following Santa's sleigh across the world has become a Christmas Eve ritual in its own right. Both NORAD Tracks Santa and Google Santa Tracker show his progress through the day – see how to track Santa on Christmas Eve.

7. Reading "A Visit from St Nicholas"

Better known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas", this poem was first published in 1823 and gave us Santa's eight reindeer. Reading it at bedtime on Christmas Eve is a lovely tradition. Our page on Santa's reindeer names tells the story behind it.

Newer family traditions

8. The Christmas Eve box

A Christmas Eve box is a small box or bag opened on the evening of the 24th. Typical contents are new pyjamas, a Christmas film, a festive book, hot chocolate and a small treat. It gives children something to open, helps the evening wind down, and means everyone is in matching pyjamas for Christmas morning photographs.

9. New pyjamas

Even without a box, new pyjamas on Christmas Eve have become a widespread family tradition.

10. A Christmas film night

Pick the same film every year. The repetition is the point: children start counting down to it.

11. A walk to look at the lights

An early-evening walk round the neighbourhood to see the decorated houses burns off energy before bed. On a clear night, look up too – our guide to stargazing with kids has tips on what to spot, and children will happily search for a moving red light.

12. Letters left for Santa

A final note to Santa by the fireplace, perhaps with a drawing, is a nice way to say thank you – and gives Santa a chance to reply overnight.

13. A magic key for Santa

Homes without a chimney can hang a "magic key" on the front door so Santa can let himself in.

14. A special Christmas Eve meal

Many households have a Christmas Eve dinner that is the same each year – a fish supper, a ham, a curry or a picnic tea in front of the fire. Simple and predictable is good on a busy day.

15. Writing next year's time capsule

Each family member writes a few lines about the year and their hopes for the next, sealed in an envelope to open next Christmas Eve.

Tips for a calm Christmas Eve with children

• Plan the evening in steps – tea, bath, Christmas Eve box, film, mince pie, stockings, bed – so children know what is coming.
• Start winding down early. Excitement makes sleep harder. A bath and a book help.
• Explain the rule. Santa only comes when children are asleep. It is the oldest trick in the book because it works.
• Prepare the evidence after they are asleep: bite the mince pie, drink half the milk, leave carrot tops and perhaps a sooty boot print by the fireplace. For more ideas, see how to keep the magic of Santa alive.